Cut by Patricia McCormick

Pages: 160

Publisher: Push

Age Group: Young Adult

Challenge: N/A

Release Date: February 1, 2oo2

Fifteen-year old Callie is so withdrawn that she's not speaking to anyone including her therapist at the residential treatment facility where her parents and doctor send her after discovering that she cuts herself. Her story unfolds primarily through dramatic monologues, gradually revealing the family turmoil that led to her self-destructive behavior. Her little brother, Sam, is ill he nearly died in her care. Since Sam's illness, Callie's mother has become so worried and fragile that she rarely leaves the house. Her father has responded to the psychological and financial stress of Sam's illness by disappearing into his work, and when that doesn't work, into his drinking. 

Callie's efforts to understand herself and her family illuminate her process of recovery honestly and with hope. Cut provides an insightful look at the psychology of cutting a form of self-abuse an estimated 2 million teenage girls inflict on themselves.

Stars: 3/5

Cover: B

Plot:

I wasn't completely hooked on this book, and it took me a while to get into it. It was a really short read, and the premise was good, but I felt the storyline fell a little flat.

Nothing super exciting happened until the very end of the book, and I felt some scenes dragged on too long to be appreciated.

I will admit that even though I didn't necessarily like the book, it did have the potential to really impact someone that gets into the novel.

Characters:

I didn't feel connected the characters, and I found them kind of irritating. Also, a lot of characters were introduced all at once, and I got confused as to who was who.

Writing:

I thought the writing was kind of bland, though it was unique in the way that it was sometimes told in second person when referring to the therapist.

Ending:

The ending was my favorite part of Cut. That was the time when Callie had really captured my attention, and I started to like her as a protagonist. The ending tied up the book nicely.

Cover:

I like the simplicity of the cover, and how it really represents what the book is about.

Lovely Line:

Twice a day we have Group. Group therapy, according to the brochure they give you at the admissions office, is the "keystone of the treatment philosophy here at Sick Minds. The real name of the place is Sea pines, even though there is no sea and there are no pines. My roommate, Sydney, who has a nickname for everything, calls it Sick Minds. Her nickname for me is S.T., for Silent Treatment.

(Page 4)

The Final Verdict:

I wouldn't recommend Cut to everyone, but if you want a really quick read, then this may just be the book for you.

FTC: Library.